ADA Accessability

The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA for short, is a law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. On September 15th, 2010, the ADA Guidelines were signed into law and now require compliance by all Title II (Public Entities) and Title III (Public Accommodations and Commercial Entities). This includes recreation facilities, swimming pools, wading pools and spas.

ADA regulations cover public and private facilities including pools operated by public park or recreation districts, hotels and motels, fitness and recreational sports clubs, country clubs, high schools and universities, water parks, hospitals and health care facilities. Regulations may also apply to private residential facilities such as homeowners and apartment or condo associations if open to public use.

ADA guidelines provide specification of certain elements in the design of new and renovated facilities to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access and utilize the features of the facility. The guidelines are the minimum level of accessibility required and are encouraged to be exceeded where possible.